WISE Learners' Voice

2017-18 Learners' Voice

The 2017-18 Learners’ Voice cohort consists of 19 outstanding Learners from 16 countries, selected from a diverse pool of applicants, who strongly demonstrate their commitment to the field of education, through their academic, professional and/or personal work. In a key component of the program the Learners are tasked with developing innovative, educational interventions to a pressing social issue identified by WISE. This year the participants are engaged in theoretical and practical components relating to the Global Forced Migration and Displacement Crisis.

The Learners participate in two intensive residential sessions delivered by expert faculty, online project development, project piloting, and the final project pitch at global education events.

First Residential Session

Participants work with WISE partners on the ground to gain a practical understanding of the challenges facing the refugee and migrant communities in Athens. Theoretical sessions delivered by expert faculty complement the experiential component by providing a global overview. The blend of experiential and academic immersion is designed to provide participants with a holistic understanding of the global forced migration challenge and to enable them to co-create relevant, feasible interventions focused on the real needs of the community they are supporting.

Online Project Development

In this component, participants work in project teams, which were formed in the first residential session, throughout the year with guidance from the Learners’ Voice Team and expert mentors from the WISE community. After a thorough evaluation, selected projects will be invited to pitch to an audience of relevant stakeholders, including potential donors and partners.

Second Residential Session and Pilot

The 2018 Learners’ Voice Cohort gathered in Athens from June 18-29 for their second residential session, focusing on social entrepreneurship, communication and project development skills. The intensive faculty sessions were complemented with site visits and project pilots conducted by the five groups to measure the feasibility of their projects and apply their skills.

Pitch

Based on the findings from the pilot and the strength of the final submission, selected teams will be given the opportunity to pitch their projects to an audience of relevant experts, practitioners, and stakeholders.